Archive for April 2014

In many television sitcoms, there are always scenes about relationship breakups. One of the common reasons for breakups is that one of the parties takes control over the relationship rather than maintaining mutual control. In real life, relationship breakups due to controlling partners also happen. They happen in boyfriend-girlfriend relationships and even among married couples.

Healthy relationships are those that are based on mutual love and trust. But a controlling girlfriend, boyfriend or spouse does not know this. People like that want to dictate and control their partners to the extent of hurting them physically or emotionally. They are not the type of people you want to be with for the rest of your life. That is why it is important that you should know right from the start of your relationship if you are dealing with a controlling person. If you still have a chance, back-off from the relationship as soon as possible. But if you are already too much involved in the relationship, there are remedies that you still could do.

Before anything else, you should first know the 10 signs of a controlling boyfriend. The same may apply to a controlling girlfriend or spouse:

He always puts you down.

He does not like you to have friends or to spend time with friends.

He tells you all his secrets including passwords and expects you to do the same.

He wants to be informed of all your whereabouts.

You often hear him saying “I told you so,” so you will feel at a loss without him.

He is never wrong.

He is making all the decisions for you.

He breaks down and cries whenever you would take a stand and would not follow his advice.

He will make you feel that you cannot achieve something important without him.

You start believing that he is the only one who can make you feel happy.

As early as possible, you should already assess those criteria and ask yourself if the relationship is worth continuing or not. You should know that it is hard or almost impossible to change a person who has a controlling attitude. Trying to do so may even lead to serious relationship problems. What you can do is to change the way you deal with your relationship. Do not let yourself be controlled, but influence your partner instead of you being influenced.

However, when you still frequently experience relationship problems leading to physical and emotional abuses despite all your good efforts, you may have to decide ending the relationship. This may be the hardest part to do at that moment but think of it as beneficial to you. The sooner you can do it, the better it will be. In some cases, a serious controller threatens to commit suicide if his partner leaves, or threatens to make his partner’s life miserable. And serious controllers usually do it, as we often hear about suicide cases caused by relationship breakups.

Overcoming your problem and learning how to get over someone is not that easy to do. It would take courage and a lot of support from your friends and family.

There have been several television programs that show a differently new breed of rabbits called Lionhead bunnies. Lionhead bunnies are gaining in popularity as household pets in the US, even though their breeding program is still relatively new. In fact, it was only in 2005 when the American Rabbit Breeders Association (ARBA) recognized the tortoise color of this breed. These rabbits are well-loved for their soft and fluffy fur balls which make them look really adorable.

Lionheads originate from Belgium and they are a crossbreed between a Belgian Dwarf and a Swiss Fox. They usually flaunt their long mane which surrounds their small head just like a lion, earning them their name. Lionheads are small bunnies with small legs and long ears that could measure up to 3 ½ inches. They can also weigh up to four pounds. They come in different colors including tortoise, magpie, seal point, Japanese and other shades of ray, brown or white. There are also two known kinds of Lionheads, namely the Lionhead Lop Rabbit and the Mini Lionhead Lop Rabbit.

Anyone who is an animal lover will easily like Lionheads. They can very well be a suitable house pet because of their natural friendly and sociable characteristics. Unlike other pets such as cats and dogs that have a tendency to bite or scratch unfamiliar people, Lionheads are generally safe around people including children. They are also cute and cuddly and would make a wonderful lap pet. You can let them loose inside your house but it is important to provide appropriate bedding material for them. You could use unscented wood chips which are also commonly used by many breeders. Also provide a regular source of clean water for them.

Proper diet and grooming are important to keep Lionheads physically fit and looking their best. Low protein rabbit pellet and fresh timothy hay are normally sufficient for their needs. A low protein pellet is the better choice over high protein pellet to avoid obesity. The hay promotes healthy digestion and helps avoid digestive problems. Adding fresh grass as well as fruits and vegetables to their diet from time to time can also help boost their immune system. For grooming, brushing their hair at least twice a week could help prevent knots and mats from forming. Grooming is especially needed during shedding to avoid wool-block which is a potential hazard to their health.

Just like dogs, Lionheads are teachable and can easily learn simple tricks. The most basic training involves teaching them where to defecate to avoid messes inside the house. Breeders are still continually studying other training techniques which they can teach these animals.

For those who are interested to own a Lionhead, knowing some basic bunny facts is very important to know what to expect to have them as a pet. You could then search for a reputable breeder in your area where you may purchase your first Lionhead. You may also acquire them from pet stores.

Television advertisements about cough syrups normally recommend drinking these medications when a person is coughing. But do you know that there are cases of coughing when cough syrups may not be effective as treatment? That is true in the case of pneumonia and bronchitis. They are two conditions that commonly affect the respiratory system which includes the lungs, bronchial tubes, pleural cavity, upper respiratory tract and trachea.

Although bronchitis and pneumonia manifest the same symptoms, they are two entirely different conditions with different risk factors and treatments. Bronchitis is less serious than pneumonia. Certain bronchitis remedies can easily treat the condition, whereas treatment for pneumonia can be difficult depending on certain factors. That is why it is important to know and understand the difference between bronchitis vs pneumonia for early detection and proper treatment.

Bronchitis is an inflammation in the air passage or the bronchial tubes where air is carried to the lungs. The inflammation may be caused by viral or bacterial infection and other irritants such as smoke. In addition, people who suffer from respiratory infections or colds are more prone to developing bronchitis. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is a lung infection leading to buildup of pus or fluids in the air sacs. Causes may include parasites, virus, bacteria and other microorganisms.

Knowing the symptoms of each condition can greatly help identify the condition a person is suffering from. For bronchitis, early symptoms include dry cough which can be painful in the chest, ribs and abdomen. After a few days, the dry cough normally clears and is followed by green or yellowish-gray sputum. The cough could linger for several days or even months, depending on how chronic the condition is. Sometimes, coughing is also associated with chills and moderate fever.

Pneumonia patients also experience dry coughing which may gradually worsen and become a productive cough. Production of sputum is also expected and it is usually greenish or rust colored. In its early stages, pneumonia usually shows flu-like symptoms. As the condition becomes worse, the patient may experience high-grade fever accompanied with chattering teeth and chills. Other symptoms include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, deep breathing, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, nausea or vomiting and palpitation. In severe cases, the color of the skin may also change because of the poor oxygen in the blood.

Correct diagnosis of bronchitis or pneumonia is normally done by examining the sputum. If pneumonia is suspected, a chest x-ray may also be necessary to confirm the findings. Blood tests are normally performed to know the severity of the condition. If bronchitis is suspected, the patient may have to undergo a pulmonary function test which measures how the lungs are working.

Treatment for bronchitis or pneumonia greatly differs depending on what causes the condition, such as if it is bacterial or viral. If bronchitis is caused by bacteria, it is normally treated with antibiotics while if the cause is virus, the treatment is normally just to reduce the inflammation in the bronchial tubes. Bacterial pneumonia is also treated with antibiotics, and antiviral drugs are prescribed when caused by virus.

When dealing with bronchitis or pneumonia, proper identification of symptoms is necessary to know the possible condition of the person. And this initial diagnosis is normally confirmed by various tests conducted by medical professionals. It is only then when appropriate treatment may be employed.

Recently, you may have noticed some companies promoting hypoallergenic foods for dog. And many people are quite curious about this kind of food and what they are for.

Just like humans, dogs can suffer from allergies caused by certain foods. Their allergic reaction may vary depending on what causes the allergy and how much food they have eaten. To avoid these allergic reactions, dog food manufacturers were able to come up with the so-called hypoallergenic dog food.

Regular dog foods are okay for dogs as long as there are no signs of allergic reactions. Symptoms of allergies may include hives, skin rashes, paw biting, itching, nausea or vomiting and obsessive licking. Not all these symptoms may be manifested when a dog is allergic to certain foods. Normally, only one or two of these symptoms become evident. Once it is clear that the dog is allergic to certain foods, the veterinarian normally recommends feeding the animal with hypoallergenic foods.

Hypoallergenic foods are different from ordinary dog foods in that they are made with fewer ingredients. They contain novel ingredients which are produced using hypoallergenic recipes. Fewer ingredients could help dog owners identify the type of ingredients their pets may be allergic to. The novel components are ingredients that dogs are not commonly used to so they are least likely to be allergic to them. They may include ingredients like kangaroo, buffalo or pheasant meat. Finally, they generally don’t contain ingredients that are potential allergens to dogs such as dairy, chicken, beef, lamb, fish, wheat, corn, yeast and soy.

Recently, there has been an increase in demand for dog foods that are hypoallergenic as they have become a healthier option compared to regular dog foods. They do not contain artificial flavorings and preservatives which may cause allergic reactions in dogs. Also, they are mostly made from natural ingredients with no fillers. But for your dog to get the most benefit from this type of food, it is best to purchase reputable brands from legitimates sellers such as from pet stores and veterinary clinics. Some of the popular brands are listed here:

Avoderm – this brand is manufactured by Breeder Choice. It is known to be safe for dogs with skin and stomach allergies on certain foods. Its main ingredient is avocado and is known to contain vitamins, mineral and essential oils that are necessary for your dog’s wellness.

Acana Hypoallergenic – manufactured by Champion pet foods, this brand offers a variety of hypoallergenic food for different dog breeds. This product does not use artificial colors or preservatives and does not contain wheat.

Oriien – Oriien is also manufactured by Champion pet foods. It is clinically tested to help reduce allergies and to promote healthy skin and hair growth.

Pinnacle Hypoallergenic – this food is said to be made from 100% natural ingredients. It is manufactured using essential minerals and probiotics.

When a dog initially displays allergic reactions to regular dog foods, it is advised that dog owners should immediately change their dog’s diet. For some owners who are asking can dogs eat bananas if they are allergic to their food? The answer is yes and no. It would be good to see a veterinarian to help determine the right food for the animal.

Every time I watch television, I frequently hear about athletes being out of their game due to foot sprain, be it in basketball, baseball, football, hockey or others. Even some actors have experienced sprains at some point during their shootings. This condition may also affect anybody due to abnormal bending or twisting of the feet. That is why it is important to know what causes sprains and what the remedies available for sprained foot are.

A sprain on the foot is a tear of ligaments which are bands of fibrous tissues connecting the bones inside a joint. Sprains are classified in different grades depending on severity. A Grade 1 classification is when the injury causes microscopic tears in the ligaments and the pain is just fairly mild. When the ligaments become partially torn and the stretching is severe, it is classified as a Grade 2 sprain. This kind of sprain causes moderate pain. When the ligaments become completely torn such that the foot becomes unstable thereby disabling the person from standing up or walking properly, then it is classified as a Grade 3 sprain which causes severe pain on the patient. Both Grade 1 and Grade 2 sprains can heal within a week, while a Grade 3 sprain can take two months to heal.

Apart from the pain, other symptoms of foot sprains include a tender and swollen foot and blue or black discoloration of the skin or tingling feet. When you feel any of these symptoms and you have doubts that you have suffered a foot sprain, it is best to see your doctor for proper diagnosis. Your doctor will normally ask about personal information including activities you are engaged in as part of the initial checkup. Your doctor will then conduct physical examination of the sprained area and may also ask you to do certain motions. Additionally, your doctor may also request for a CT scan or MRI of the affected area to support the diagnosis.

They say that prevention is always better than cure. And in some instances, sprains are avoidable. One way to avoid sprains is by wearing stiff-soled shoes which can help stabilize the foot. Also, before starting any game or activity, it would help to do stretching or warm up exercises first. If you still suffer from sprains despite doing these safety precautions, there are certain treatments that you could take advantage of.

Right after feeling the pain on the foot, rest first from any physical activity you are doing. Apply an ice pack on the injured area to avoid swelling. If swelling develops, compress it using an elastic bandage. To relieve the pain and swelling, your doctor may also recommend taking acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

A sprain is a condition that can be prevented if you avoid twisting or excessively bending your feet. If the symptoms have not subsided within two days after applying those treatments for your foot sprain, visit your doctor for a more appropriate treatment.